Diagnosis questions - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

klos · 04-27-2007, 08:07 PM

Back in Feb. I started getting symptoms like numbness on the right side of my body, pain behind right eye, double vision, blurred vision.
By the end of March I thought I better get this checked out. When I went to my primary physician he immediately ordered blood work and an MRI of the brain ***** caught me off guard a little.
I returned a few weeks later and was told that there were several small lesions on my brain and that I may have MS. Needless to say I was SHOCKED!

I've seen a neurologist twice now and after an MRI of my neck and back there has been two more lesions found.
the neuro says that he sees no need for a spinal tap because the results of the blood work and MRI's is clear enough evidence for him for an MS diagnosis.

should I be skeptical?

Should I get a second opinion?

Can he be sure without a spinal tap?

He prescribed Betaseron is that a good treatment?

Sorry for all the questions, just a little worried. Any info is very much appreciated.

Bearygood · 04-27-2007, 08:25 PM

Not 100% my story but similar enough. Yup, I get the shocked thing. That's sure how I felt and to a certain extent, still do. My 5 brain lesions were "classic" enough that combined with my history a "clinical diagnosis" could be made. (I'm putting the doctors' words in quotes there -- kind of med school textbook reference stuff.) My neurologist has now orded a more thorough MRI of the brain and one of the spinal column. He said he might want additional blood work but hasn't ordered a spinal tap. If you have any doubts at all and feel a need to be more sure, I'd definitely get a second opinion. Certainly couldn't hurt and might give you an opportunity to get more professional input about your situation and how recommended treatment. I'm far from the pro here but from what you're describing it sounds like my doctor would be saying the same thing. But it still doesn't matter, you have to be satisfied within yourself!

Lisa_P · 04-27-2007, 10:22 PM

If they do order an LP (spinal tap), it's really not so bad. They just want to test the fluid for certain elements. There's no one thing that says MS, so your doctor is probably safe to find indicators elsewhere (history, MRI, etc.).

kimpossible67 · 04-28-2007, 05:02 AM

You could get a second opinion if it makes you feel better. I'm one of the nay-sayers on spinal taps. You couldn't pay me to have another one. Not only that, but mine was negative and I was diagnosed anyway. I'm in Michigan myself, the thumb area.

klos · 04-28-2007, 07:13 AM

Kim- you’re not that far from me. I'm in Goodrich near Flint.

I really don't want a spinal tap if I don't need one. I just wanted to know if any of you have been successfully diagnosed without one.

I didn’t realize this would happen so fast. After two visits to the neuro and two MRI's the doc wants me to start Betaseron immediately. I'm only 29 years old and kind of leery of injecting chemicals in my body for the rest of my life.
Any other advice?
Anyone use anything else to supplement there MS medication?